LEVADA TRAILS AND PEAKS OF MADEIRA
Idyllic island walking holiday on Madeira's glorious mountain trails
Hike the 'Balcony Walk' between Pico Ruivo & Pico do Arieiro, Madeira's highest peaks Explore Madeira's west, east and centre on the island's best day walks Guided walking each day and all meals included Enjoy Madeira's unique and abundant flora - a botanist's dream!
HOLIDAY CODE MWW
Portugal, Madeira, Trek & Walk, 8 Days
5 nights hotel with swimming pool, 2 nights hotel, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, max group size: 15, 6 days walking, max. altitude - 1862 metres
VIEW DATES, PRICES & BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY HERE
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Introduction
With its rugged coastal scenery, impressive volcanic geology and lush levada trails, the Atlantic island of Madeira is a walker's paradise and a haven for keen botanists. Moving around Madeira and staying in different villages, we enjoy ever-changing sea views and have access to a variety of super day-walks. Following age-old paths and also hiking alongside Madeira's amazing network of irrigation channels known as levadas, we walk and hike through terraced farmland, explore extensive laurel forest, negotiate levada tunnels and cross jagged green ridges to find the best viewpoints. The scenery is far more varied than you may imagine and the floral diversity is remarkable! Highlights of this Madeira walking holiday include the enchanting green valley of Riberio do Poco, the dramatic mountain views at Encumeada and the spectacular trail that links Madeira's highest peaks, Pico Ruivo (1862m) and Pico do Arieiro (1810m). With daily walks of between 4 and 6 hours and plenty of time to enjoy our atmospheric sea-side locations and comfortable hotels, this is a brilliant walking holiday in Madeira.
Fly From UK Regional Airports
KE's departures run Monday to Monday, rather than Saturday to Saturday, allowing you to take full advantage of the reasonably priced low costs airlines flights offered from a wide variety of UK regional airports.
Is this holiday for you?
For this holiday we have picked the best walks on Madeira. We’ll explore the island on a series of good day hikes and walks, any of which can be considered as optional. The walks themselves are mostly on good trails often following the famous 'levadas' or irrigation channels, but there are exciting sections including levada tunnels (the longest is just over 1km!), which lead us deep inside the hillside, and some places where there is considerable exposure (normally with a protective fence). Generally each day's walk will be from 5 – 6 hours, although the walk along the Levado Ribeira da Janela will be a little longer. To fully explore the island’s volcanic ridges and dramatic coastline we also need to be prepared for a reasonable amount of ascent and descent (on average around 650m ascent and 850m descent per day). Some walks can be cut short with a short taxi ride if you are feeling a little tired. On the majority of days we will also finish at a cafe where we can enjoy a coffee (or cold beer!) whilst we unwind after our walk. Our accommodation each night is in well appointed hotels, the majority of which have swimming pools where we can cool off after the walk, and simple spa facilities to which we have free access! Evenings will be spent enjoying the good food and, of course, sampling the local Madeiran wine!
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Meet at the group hotel in Funchal. A single timed transfer from Madeira Airport is provided.
Meet at the group hotel in Funchal. Flight time allowing you can spend the afternoon relaxing at one of the nearby cafes, wandering around the port or the Mercado dos Lavradores or just enjoying the seaviews from the roof terrace. KE Land Only package services begin with an evening briefing from the guide. ACCOMMODATION MEALS D HOTEL
Day 2: Curral das Freiras, via Boca do Cerro (1300m) to Boca da Encumeada (1007m). Transfer to Paul do Mar.
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After breakfast at the hotel we take our picnic lunch and transfer for 35 minutes to Curral das Freiras (650m), which lies deep in a steep sided valley. Our first walk starts in the shade of the chestnut, eucalyptus and pine, trees as we zigzag upwards. Soon coming into broom and gorse scrub we follow a stoney path carved from the rock before reaching a viewpoint where we can see Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro (sometimes spelt Areeiro) across the valley. Further we reach today’s high point at Boca do Cerro (1300m). The panoramic paths offers wonderful views into the central massif and the Paul da Serra plateau. We then continue in a northerly direction along the ridge where the path is flanked by bracken and broom with few trees. We cross over a stone-arched bridge which spans the rocky gorge on the Ribeiro do Poco continuing to Curral Jangao. We then pass by various peaks and come into the shade of the laurels and ascent a slope dominated by eucalyptus and we cross the stream at Poco. The path then opens up again and we have fine views of Pico Grande before we arrive at our destination at Boca da Encumeada (1007m). Here we meet the waiting vehicle and transfer the 35-40 mins to Paul do Mar. ACCOMMODATION ASCENT 870M DISTANCE 14KM GPS DATA VIEW HOTEL WITH NOW SWIMMING POOL
MEALS BLD DESCENT 570M TIME 6 HRS WALKING HOURS
Day 3: Levada walk from Prazeres (650m) to the village of Faja da Ovelha. Descend to Paul do Mar.
Starting from our hotel right on the coast, we walk along the sea front to Paul do Mar harbour. From here we climb steeply along the ‘Camino Real’ (the old cobbled trail) crossing the Ribeira Seca in a gorge and continuing upwards past fig trees and prickly pears to the village of Prazeres at 650m. We then head westerly following a levada Calheta/Nova, one of the Maderia walking classics through agricultural land and pine forests. We pass a few charming small villages and rivers as we contour gently downwards. At the village of Faja da Ovelha we may have time for a coffee or cool drink before we enjoy the beautiful descent to Paul do Mar. The views over the sea and across to the cliffs opposite are spectacular. It is possible to take a taxi down, 15 minutes (own expense) if the knees are tired. ACCOMMODATION ASCENT 870M DISTANCE 18KM GPS DATA VIEW HOTEL WITH NOW SWIMMING POOL
MEALS BLD DESCENT 870M TIME 5 HRS WALKING HOURS
Day 4: Along the Levada Ribeira da Janela from Fonte do Bispo (1230m) to Lamaceiros. Transfer to Porto Moniz.
A transfer from Paul do Mar (approx 45mins) brings us to Fonte do Bispo (1230m) at the top of the levada near Galhano where we start our days sensational walk following the Levada Ribeira da Janela down to Lamaceiros. This is really a gem of a walk through a series of exciting tunnels, splendid views and rock arches. Walking through bilberry and candleberry filled pockets we enter the first of our 8 tunnels along this levada. We have grand views from our path high above the valley with the Ribeira da Janela below. We pass beautiful waterfalls with rock pools and an array of ferns and mosses clinging for life on the rocky surfaces. We descend into the Janela valley with its densely-wooded sides before ending our walk surrounded by hydrangeas and apple trees in Lamaceiros just above Porto Moniz. We have a short transfer to our hotel in Porto Moniz on the north-west tip of the island and famous for its natural swimming pools to enjoy the sea and a deserved glass of wine.
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ACCOMMODATION ASCENT 200M DISTANCE 16KM GPS DATA VIEW HOTEL WITH NOW SWIMMING POOL
MEALS BLD DESCENT 950M TIME 6 HRS WALKING HOURS
Day 5: Achadas da Cruz coastal walk. Transfer to Santana.
We drive approx 15 mins to the most westerly point of Madeira to reach the starting point of our walk at Achadas da Cruz. Today’s walk is splendid with total immersion in the Madeira countryside. The narrow path starts at the cable car station, which is used to transport wine and other products up and down the steep slopes to and from the fertile soils near the sea called faja. It is also not unusual to see farmers coming up and down with their crops. We walk along the coast to the beach not far from where the explorers Joao Goncalves Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira anchored their ships in 1419. We ascent up and along the Vereda de Tristao river to a viewpoint where we have magnificent views of the sea, cliffs and Santa village. From here we descent along an old paved path to reach Porto Moniz. From here we transfer along the coast to our next stop in the pretty town of Santana in preparation for our walk tomorrow. Santana has classic Madeirense A-frame homes prettily painted with thatched roofs to the ground. ACCOMMODATION ASCENT 780M DISTANCE 10KM GPS DATA VIEW HOTEL WITH NOW SWIMMING POOL
MEALS BLD DESCENT 1040M TIME 6 HRS WALKING HOURS
Day 6: Along the Levada Caldeirao, via the Caldeirao Verde waterfalls, to Ilha (350m). Return to Santana.
We leave the coast after breakfast and drive for 15 minutes to Queimadas (880m) just below Pico das Pedras. Starting at the lovely thatched houses our walk starts on an easy path with some tremendous views of the surrounding mountains and sea. We then join the Levada Caldeirao and follow it past the ferns, lush, rainforest like flora. If we have the energy we can opt for a slight detour to the Caldeirao Verde waterfalls, which can be very dramatic after some rain. We then descend steeply downwards on log steps, through the heather, into the woods, and finally past agricultural fields and pretty houses to Ilha (350m). Here we may have time for a coffee or glass of refreshing wine before returning in the vehicle for the 15 mins back to our hotel in Santana. ACCOMMODATION ASCENT 170M DISTANCE 15KM GPS DATA VIEW HOTEL WITH NOW SWIMMING POOL
MEALS BLD DESCENT 643M TIME 6 HRS WALKING HOURS
Day 7: Ascent of Pic Ruivo (1862m) and Pico do Arieiro (1810m). Transfer to Funchal.
After our week walking we have the climax with the highest point on the island Pico Ruivo (1862m). Leaving Santana after breakfast we drive for 30mins to Achadas do Teixeira (1592m). Quickly we reach a ridge with great views ahead of the mountains, and down through the valleys to the sea. Ahead of us we see the peaks of Torres as we walk along our path through the boulders and rocky outcrops, and across sections of bare pumice. We pass the refuge (possibly stopping for some refreshments) before we continue up the heather-clad slopes to the summit of Pico Ruivo, the top of Madeira. Splendid views surround us of the rock, verdant valleys and blue sea. After the excitement of our achievement our walk continues on an exposed section of path deeply cut into the cliff face before zigzagging up to the base of Torres and a high level path is found. We then descend through the vegetated
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MEALS BLD DESCENT 690M TIME 5 - 6 HRS WALKING HOURS
Day 8: Departure day. A single timed transfer to Madeira Airport is provided.
KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. A single timed group transfer to the airport is provided. Flight time allowing you can spend the morning exploring Funchal. MEALS B
Extend Your Holiday
Extensions
When booking your holiday, you will be able to 'add an extension option'.
Once we have received your booking we will contact you to discuss additional services required for the extension and to take any additional deposit.
Porto Santo Extension
Porto Santo is a beautiful golden sanded island lying just 43km northeast of Madeira and part of the same archipelago. Significantly smaller and much less visited than its big sister, Madeira, Porto Santo offers a superb chance to relax, unwind and get away from it all. The 6-mile long golden beach is the island’s biggest selling point, but certainly not its only one! Also to be discovered is the island’s rugged north coast with its sharp cliffs
and rocky coves, and its rocky volcanic centre.Read more We have chosen to stay at the Hotel Torre Praia, a 4* beach side hotel, not far from the centre of the island’s only town, Vila Baleria. Vila Baleria is a traditional Portuguese town, with white washed villas, a main square with outdoor cafes and lots of restaurants selling seafood and delicious local fare. The atmosphere of the island is intimate and tranquil, this is a great place to relax after your active holiday. Included in this package is a one night stay in Funchal, a one night stay on Porto Santo and a return ferry ticket. The ferry from Funchal to Porto Santo does not operate daily all year around, further additional nights in Funchal may be required.
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Porto Santo Extension 2 days From 0 per person
Whale And Dolphin Watching
Madeira is a superb place to spot whales and dolphins. The temperate waters around the island are visited by more than 20 different species of cetacean at various points throughout the year and you don’t have to venture far from land to spot sperm whales, pilot whales bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins, amongst others! With the help of the Islands Whale and Dolphin watching experts, Rota dos Cetaceos, we’ll head out to sea for around 2.5hrs accompanied by an expert marine biologist in the hope of spotting as many different species as possible! If the circumstances allow it is also sometimes possible to join the dolphins in the water (additional supplement payable locally).
Whale and Dolphin Watching 1 day From 0 per person
Holiday Information
What's Included
• A professional and qualified tour leader • Single timed airport transfers on arrival and departure • All land transport required by the itinerary • All accommodation as described • All meals •
What's Not Included
• Travel insurance • Tips for local staff • Airport transfers (other than group transfers) • Miscellaneous personal expenditure - drinks and souvenirs etc
Joining Arrangements & Transfers
A single timed transfer from the airport to the hotel in Funchal is provided on day 1 of the itinerary. This transfer is scheduled to meet the arrival of the Easyjet flights from London Gatwick into Madeira arriving late morning. Anyone who is arriving earlier than this, is welcome to wait at the airport to join this transfer. Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer for you at an additional charge or you can take a taxi from outside the airport to the group hotel (approx €30).
On the last day of the holiday, a single group transfer is provided from the hotel Funchal to the airport. This is timed to meet check in for the Easyjet flight to London Gatwick, which departs in the late morning. If you are
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Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Meal Plan
All meals are included in the holiday price from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.
Food & Water
Madeiran food has a Mediterranean flavour and take, however almost any type of food restaurant can be found on the island, from local to Italian and Chinese. However much of the local food and dishes are prepared from ingredients grown on the island or caught from the sea. Fish is popular, as well as chicken and pork. Meals are always eaten with potatoes, vegetables, rice or salads. Marinades of garlic, salt and bay leaves are also popular. Breakfast will usually be continental with tea, coffee, bread, jams and fruit. For lunch the group will be given a packed lunch to carry on the day's walk. This normally consists of a sandwich made with cheese, tomatoes, olives, ham or other meats, plus some fruit. We recommend that you take a small tupperware box (and spork) to carry your lunch. Dinners are taken either at the hotel or a local restaurant and there will be plenty of variety for everyone’s palate. Madeira wine is world famous and there are vineyards all over the island. However there are also many local wines which are well priced and of reasonable quality – and it will always be plentiful!
Many places on this holiday have drinkable water from the tap to fill your personal water bottles. Please check with the leader at the various locations. Please take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) for days when drinking water out of the tap is not available. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.
Special Diets
Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot provide special diets. Due to the nature of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home. If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice. Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.
Accommodation
The group will spend 2 nights at a hotel in Funchal, within walking distance of the port, city centre and market, 2 nights in a sea front hotel with a pool in Paul do Mar, 1 night in a sea from hotel in Porto Moniz, adjacent to the natural swimming pools, and 2 nights in a hotel with a pool in Santana. All accommodation is in 2 - 3 star, well located hotels, with private bathroom based on twin share. Most hotels have a terrace where we can enjoy the views. There are also swimming pools at the majority of the hotels, which is great for a cooling dip to relax after the days walk. Some of the hotels even have a spa/wellness centre where you can get a pleasant massage in the evening! If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Single rooms are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning on extending your holiday additional nights at the group hotel are available on request.
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Group Leader & Support Staff
The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader.
Altitude
This holiday does not involve any significant ascent to altitude and we would not expect any altitude issues with this trip.
Spending Money
We estimate that approximately €100-150 should be sufficient to cover all personal expenses including tips for your guide. If you buy many drinks in the afternoon/evenings you may need slightly more cash. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs at the airport and the main towns, and credit cards can also be used to pay for most goods and services.
Guidance On Tipping
Tipping is the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ to your leader and local team. Tipping is entirely voluntary and should be dependent on good service. We recommend that you decide levels of tipping and give any tips as a group rather than from individual group members.
Baggage Allowance
For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Luggage with wheels is useful for this holiday. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.
Group Size & Holiday Status
For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.
Recommended Outdoor Retailers
Many of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 15% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers. >> Find out more
Travel Insurance
It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.
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For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.
General Information
Passport & Visas
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit.
Visa information is changing all the time. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel.
Visa Europe
Travel to the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein will change from 1 January 2021. Before you travel, you should check the latest government advice at: https://www.gov.uk/visit- europe-1-january-2021
From 1 January 2021 your passport must be less than 10 years old and have at least 6 months validity beyond the date of travel.
Health & Vaccinations
Severe Allergies
If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.
Vaccinations
You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.
EHIC / Medical Cover
UK residents should obtain a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is still vital when travelling overseas.
Currency
The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.
Electricity Supply & Plug
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
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Preparing For Your Holiday
Getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking 3 to 6 hours for consecutive days. Hill walking, with a good amount of ascent and descent, is the best training. Running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.
Getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience.
You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking 3 to 6 hours for consecutive days. Hill walking, with a good amount of ascent and descent, is the best training. Running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.
Climate
Madeira has a mild sub-tropical climate, with the Gulf Stream ensuring pleasant warm temperatures all year round. The hottest months are July and August with average temperatures around 23 ºC, in February and November the maximum temperature is around 18-20 ºC. There would be no beautiful greenery in Madeira without a little rain, however there are many micro climates across the island, with the southern lowlands being the driest and the mountainous northern parts receiving the most rain. Madeira generally has sunshine all year around, with May through to September being the driest months with very little rain. October through to March can be wetter, but with still just an average of 6 days of rain per month.
Travel Aware
As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Offices' ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.
KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.
Single Use Plastic
KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use. We have pledged to AITO’s Project Protect that 70% of our agents stop using single use plastic bottles.
Books
• Walking in Madeira – Cicerone Guide, Paddy Dillon Walk!
• Madeira – Discovery Walking Guides, Shirley & Mike Whitehead
• Madeira Landmark Guide, Richard Sale
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• Madeira & Porto Santo – Cadogan Guides Madeira – Insight Guide
Maps
Madeira - Freytag-Berndt Und Artaria KG, 1:40,000
Large, contoured road map with hiking trails and tourist information marked.
Flight Information
Flight Inclusive Or Land Only?
On our website we display a UK Flight Inclusive package price and Land Only package price for the majority of our holidays.
Land Only Notes
We sell this holiday on a Land Only basis and you should book your flights to Funchal. Please refer to the 'Joining arrangements and transfers' for further details.
Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.
If flying from the UK there are a number of low cost airlines offering flights to Funchal. These include Easyjet who have flights from London, Manchester and Bristol, TUI Airways who have flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Jet 2 who have flights from Leeds Bradford, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Birmingham & Manchester. Other Airports maybe available.
If you would prefer to book a 'flight inclusive package' using scheduled airlines from the UK please contact our flights department for a quote. Whilst flight prices are likely to be more expensive you will benefit from full financial protection.
Why Choose KE Adventure Travel?
Why Choose KE Adventure Travel?
Operating since 1984, KE Adventure Travel has some of the most experienced staff in the business, with the proven ability to set up and operate a worldwide programme of adventures. Everyone has adventure travel at heart and joins at least one trip a year. It is this depth of experience that makes KE stand out from other adventure travel operators. When you contact KE, by phone or e-mail, or visit our office, you will find the help and advice you need, from someone who has actually done the trip and can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience.
KE can guarantee the very best in trip support, excellent food, a good standard of hotel and other accommodation, plus the back up of one of the most respected companies in the business. Client satisfaction is at the top of our agenda and almost 50% of our bookings each year come from repeat business. If you are looking for adventure then look no further than KE.
Group Tour Leaders
All of our holidays are accompanied by an experienced leader, some of whom have worked with KE groups for many years. Many are professional guides and instructors with an unrivalled knowledge of the areas in which they
www.keadventure.com UK: +44(0) 17687 73966 US (toll-free): 1-888-630-4415 PAGE 12 LEVADA TRAILS AND PEAKS OF MADEIRA work. In many parts of the world, we recruit local guides with appropriate training and experience. In addition to having the technical skills to ensure your safety, KE expects its leaders to be active members of the group. A leader should be fun to travel with and ready to share with you their enthusiasm for adventure travel and their knowledge of the area. Alongside the group leader, there will be a local support crew, which could be just a driver, or a complete team of guides, drivers, porters, mule-herders and cooks. The hard work of our support crews, along with the fascinating insight they can offer into their local culture, is integral to providing you with the very best adventure travel experience.
Sustainable Tourism
Since we ran our first trip in 1984, we have been committed keeping the world's most beautiful places pristine by minimising our environmental impact. Recognising the fragility of the world's wilderness environments, we keep our groups small and operate according to a ‘Mountain Code’, which is provided to all groups, trek leaders, agents and staff. We make sure that our local staff are well treated and well paid, we respect indigenous cultures, take care to protect the environment of the places we visit and take every opportunity to make a positive contribution wherever we travel. Our philosophy of 'leaving nothing but footprints' has been integral to KE's approach right from the start over 30 years ago. In recognition of our efforts we are proud to have achieved the highest award of 5 Stars for Sustainable Tourism by AITO.
We continue to travel responsibly, and more information on our policy, practice, and specific projects can be found at www.keadventure.com, and on the website of our partner charity the Juniper Trust: www.junipertrust.co.uk. KE's Mountain Code is issued to our staff, trek leaders and overseas agents, and we recommend it to our clients, too!
Booking Your Holiday
The easiest way to make your booking is online. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking. This is normally £200 but for some holidays with special permit fees or internal flights, this may be more. The amount of deposit required for an individual holiday is given on the dates and prices page of the holiday. Late bookings will require full payment. We cannot confirm any booking until we receive your fully completed booking form.
Adventure Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out holiday cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are non-refundable. Please ensure that your insurer is aware of your KE Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken. You will then need to advise us of your policy details and complete an Insurance Declaration Form.
CAMPBELL IRVINE DIRECT travel insurance is available to EU residents and will cover the majority of KE Adventure holidays. It has been designed to provide cover for activities normally excluded by other insurers such as trekking, mountain biking and climbing. Please note that certain activities may attract a higher premium. In addition ‘Campbell Irvine Direct’ cannot provide cover for KE climbing trips above 6000m. Cover for these can be obtained through either the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or Snowcard.
TRAVELEX is a USA based insurer offering travel insurance, which can be used by US citizens and US residents only. KE recommends the "Travelex Select" package for our holidays. If your holiday involves using mountaineering equipment (ropes, harness or crampons), for climbing or glacial travel, you should consider the "Adventure Plus Pak" optional upgrade on the Travelex Select Plan. Please refer to the 'Description of Coverage' for a summary of the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the applicable Protection Plan. This policy will also cover KE climbing trips above 6000m.
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Equipment List
The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum.
You Must Bring The Following Items:
• Hiking boots
• Socks
• Spare laces
• Trekking trousers
• Lightweight waterproof overtrousers
• Underwear
• Baselayer (wicking) shirts
• T-shirts and/or casual shirts
• Fleece jacket or warm jumper
• Lightweight windproof/waterproof jacket
• Lightweight gloves
• Sunhat
• Warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Daypack c. 25 - 30 litres
• Headtorch and spare batteries (on some days we will be walking through tunnels)
• Sun protection (including for lips)
• Water bottles 1 Litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
• Water purification tablets
• Tupperware box for lunch salad (approx 15x10x3cm)
• Plastic fork/knife/spoon for eating lunch
• Washbag and toiletries
• Small padlock (to lock your luggage)
• Basic First Aid Kit. Including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).
The Following Items Are Optional:
• Trainers or sandals
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• Gaiters
• Shorts
• Swimwear (most hotels have pools)
• Towel (for swimming)
• Small plastic cup for tea/coffee at lunch (guide carries a flask)
• Antibacterial handwash
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• Insect repellant – (DEET)
• Camera
• Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)
Please note: This document was downloaded on 28 Sep 2021, and the trip is subject to change.
www.keadventure.com UK: +44(0) 17687 73966 US (toll-free): 1-888-630-4415